MONTREAL December 3, 2009 – Join us as we pay tribute to Mr. Bertrand A. Henry for his accomplishments as a teacher, mentor and friend to thousands of students living across Canada and beyond. This year’s 24th Annual Vision Gala Awards Celebration honours Mr. Henry with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award. Mr. Henry is one of the original founders of Dawson’s DOME theatre program and has been teaching and mentoring youth through theatre, spanning over 25 years. This year’s Vision Gala will be held on January 30th, 2010 at La Plaza Holiday Inn – Midtown Montreal, cocktails at 6, dinner at 7, dancing and entertainment until the wee hours of the night.

“As a board, we try and give the Martin Luther King Jr. award to someone of excellence, commitment and enterprise. Bertrand is all of those things, plus he has an unwavering devotion to youth that will always be remembered, especially by them.”

Jacklin Webb, President of the Board, Black Theatre Workshop.

This year Black Theatre Workshop honours Mr. Bertrand Henry for his exceptional contributions to the arts and English theatre in Montreal with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award. Heralded by English theatre critiques as the “hottest director in town”, Mr. Henry has inspired in his students a dedication to art and a pride in their work, continuing to be the hallmark of the Dawson professional theatre program today. Mr. Henry’s dedication and unwavering commitment was displayed when years ago he said “yes we can”, and gambled on the launching of the old Dome Theatre space and won.

Vision Celebration is also a glimpse into the future as we award two young Montréalers for their scholastic and artistic achievements. The Gloria Mitchell-Aleong Award, sponsored by Stanley Aleong and the Victor Phillips Award, sponsored by TD Bank Financial Group, are presented to two outstanding young people who achieve excellence in their academic pursuits and the performing arts between the ages of 14 – 35.

BTW is pleased to announce the 24th Annual Vision Gala Celebration marking the unofficial launch of Black History Month and Dr. King’s dream and vision of growth, unity and community.Every year the Vision Celebration awards the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award to an individual whose life has a measure of distinction in Canada and who has made significant contributions to the development of the Black performing arts.

Whether for BTW’s fall or spring Mainstage productions, school tours for Black History Month, Youthworks performance troupes, or for community arts development projects, all Vision contributions are dedicated to encouraging and promoting the development of a Black and Canadian Theatre. To purchase tickets call our box office at 514-932-1104 ext. 226. For more information on Black Theatre Workshop go to our website www.blacktheatreworkshop.ca.